Mini 14 vs AR 15

L

longhair

New member
ok let's say i'm in the market for a .223 cal. rifle (which i might be). it seems most of the people on here like the AR better than the Mini 14. my question is why? do the AR's shoot better, longer, are they more reliable then the Ruger? in other words why is the AR15 supposed to be better than the Mini 14. any help on this would truly be appreciated!! thanks!!

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fiat justitia

longhaircsa@netscape.net
 
I think the AR has achieved 1911-like status in many peoples mind. They are both great guns.. but they are not the only guns. If I had choice, I'd choose the AR, it is certainly more throgoughly tested, easier to get parts for, hi-cap mags are plentiful, and maintanence is a snap.

If I had a budget, I'd buy the Mini-14, a few extra mags and important parts and still feel very, very well equipped.

To compare a $350 gun with a $1000 gun really isn't fair, but I think that three Mini-14s would certainly be worth more when the balloon goes up than 1 AR.
 
Had both - Rob's right!

If you're on a budget the Mini-14 is a good, rugged, reliable (though not real accurate) rifle. But accuracy is subjective. Like I ask my shooting friends when they ask what's the BEST this or that - What's your purpose? Groundhogs at 300 yards? NO WAY! Maybe at half that distance.

The AR15 has no such limitation (at twice the price!) but that's the one I chose to keep. All things being equal the AR is twice the gun if you can pay the freight. Is all the extra accuracy worth it? You have to decide that.
 
Years ago a friend couldn't believe I was sane to spend $600 on an AR. So he got a Mini. This guy is an accuracy nut. Needless to say it killed him to see that I could do 1 1/2" (irons) with the AR while he was getting (barely) about 3-4" with his scoped, fine, high quality POS. This was with handloads - Sierras, I think - not M-193. Anyway, you get what you pay for. Oh yeah, he sold the Mini and bought an AR - post-ban by that time. Live and learn.

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longhair~

For looks and just plain fun--i.e. plinking, target shooting, varminting, cult-like devotion-- go with the AR.

For a cheap and dependable survival tool, a pre-ban mini14 with an aftermarket folding stock and a few magazines is still cheaper than a post-ban AR.

To do it right however, you need both.
 
I've had a Mini-ranch rifle for 13 yrs and would never get rid of it. :) Never has let me down
 
I truly thank y'all for your comments, now.. what to do??? we'll have to wait and see ;)
thanks again.......................

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fiat justitia

longhaircsa@netscape.net
 
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